In order to liberate Jerusalem under the sultan of Egypt, St. Louis the King began a Crusade in 1247, commanding an army of 60,000 warriors.
Editorial (11/03/2024 11:17, Gaudium Press)
In June 1249, the royal armada encountered numerous difficulties, delaying its arrival at Damietta, situated in the Nile delta. Yet, such was the Saint’s resolve that, even before his ship fully docked, he plunged into the water, sword, shield, and golden helmet adorning him, wading up to his chest.
The Saracens, startled by this bold move, fled, while the Crusaders, filled with triumphant fervor, seized Damietta and neighboring towns, their voices lifted in the melodic strains of the Te Deum.
For several months, King Louis awaited reinforcements from his brother, Alphonse of Poitiers. However, as the Crusaders descended into indiscipline and sloth, their adversaries regrouped and eventually vanquished them at the Battle of Mansurá. The Bishop of Soissons displayed remarkable valor, leading a charge against the Mohammedans alongside some knights, ultimately meeting his demise.
“Become a Christian, and I’ll dub you a knight!”
The Muslims captured Saint Louis and mercilessly slew many Crusaders. Meanwhile, the queen remained in Damietta, aware of the treachery of the Mohammedans, and made a grim request of an 80-year-old knight: to end her life should the enemy draw near. Shortly thereafter, she gave birth to a son, whom she named John Tristan, a testament to the somber circumstances of his birth.
One fateful day, the chief of the Mamluks, having assassinated the Sultan of Egypt, infiltrated St. Louis’ tent, demanding all guards vacate the premises. Brandishing his sword at the king, he declared, “Dub me a knight, or meet your demise!” To which the monarch calmly responded, “First embrace Christianity, and then I shall confer knighthood upon you.” [1]
The chief departed, and later, the tent was infiltrated by Muslim warriors, intent on instilling terror in Saint Louis. However, moved by his nobility, integrity, and composure, they bowed in respect and withdrew.
Death of Branca of Castile
Following the payment of his ransom, the king regained his freedom. Over the ensuing four years, he journeyed to sites hallowed by the presence of Christ, championing the defense of Catholic territories.
Troubling news arrived from France. An elderly man, clad in cassock and mitre, rallied nearly 30,000 compatriots, embarking on a spree of disorder and crime under the guise of organizing a new crusade. [2]
In 1252, Queen Blanche of Castile passed away, leaving behind twelve children, among whom Saint Louis IX and Blessed Isabella of France attained the glory of sanctity.
Foregoing marriage to the Holy Roman Emperor’s son, she established a convent of Poor Clares near Paris, embracing the life of a nun. St. Bonaventure, the Seraphic Doctor, delivered sermons there at the behest of Blessed Elizabeth of France, composing a treatise titled “On the Perfection of Life for the Sisters.” [3]
Thereafter, the Holy Monarch resolved to return to his realm, accompanied by the queen and three children born in the East, entering Paris on September 7, 1254.
Saint Louis continued to govern France sagely, enacting laws to uphold order, honor, and decency, while condemning vices like blasphemy and immorality. Revered by the French populace, many regarded him as a saint.
“Cherish goodness and abhor evil”
Driven by fervent devotion to glorify God, Saint Louis spearheaded a new Crusade, his second and the eighth overall.
Gathering prominent figures at the Louvre Palace in Paris on March 25, 1267—the Feast of the Annunciation—the holy monarch implored them to liberate the Holy Land, bearing Our Lord’s crown of thorns.
Subsequently, he visited the Basilica of Saint-Denis, receiving a large crucifix and placing the kingdom under the protection of France’s apostles. He then proceeded barefoot, clad as a pilgrim, from his palace to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where a solemn Mass was conducted.
Setting sail from a Sardinian port, the royal fleet reached Tunis, present-day Tunisia’s capital, on July 18, 1270. The city’s Caliph pledged to renounce Mohammedanism and embrace Baptism. Saint Louis aimed to conquer North Africa before proceeding to Jerusalem.
However, the onset of plague, exacerbated by scorching temperatures and tainted water, took its toll. Saint Louis fell gravely ill, and his son Tristan, aged twenty, succumbed. Addressing Philip, the crown prince, from his sickbed, Saint Louis imparted timeless wisdom:
“Above all, love God, for therein lies true happiness. Prefer suffering over mortal sin. Frequent confession.
Uphold the virtues of your realm, eliminating vice. Pray fervently, seeking indulgence. Embrace goodness and shun all evil, wherever it lurks. Strive to eradicate sin and heresy.” [1]
On a bed strewn with ashes, he surrendered his soul to God
Receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and partaking of Holy Communion, Saint Louis slipped into agony at dawn on August 25, 1270. Uttering, “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! We shall reach Jerusalem!” repeatedly, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the holy cause.
As death drew near, he steadfastly declared, “Grant, Lord, that we may scorn worldly prosperity and endure adversity!”
Aware of his imminent demise, he requested to be draped in sackcloth, lying upon a bed of ashes. Gazing heavenward, he murmured, “Lord, I shall enter Your house and worship in Your holy tabernacle!”
At three o’clock in the afternoon—the hour of Christ’s death—he surrendered his soul to God.
His remains, enshrined in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, were venerated for generations. Canonized in 1297, his feast day is celebrated on August 25th.
During the French Revolution, fueled by diabolical animosity, revolutionaries desecrated the vessel containing his relics, scattering them…
Let us beseech Saint Louis to intercede for us, that through the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may embrace a spirit of prayer, penance, and unwavering fortitude, striving valiantly to advance the Church’s glory and vanquish her foes.
By Paulo Francisco Martos
Notions of Church History
[1] MICHAUD, Joseph-François. História das Cruzadas. São Paulo: Editora das Américas. 1956, v. 5, p. 88.
[2] DARRAS, Joseph Epiphane. Histoire Génerale de l’Église. Paris: Louis Vivès. 1882, v. 29, p. 435.
[3] MICHAUD, Joseph-François. Op. cit., p. 258.
Compiled by Carlos Ruiz